The nonprofit Friends of La Jolla Shores will host a groundbreaking ceremony for Kellogg Park North comfort station on Monday, Jan. 6 at 9:30 a.m.

Funding for the design and construction of the new restroom was donated by the John G. Watson Foundation at the direction of Gilian & Michael Ison.

Watson lived in the Shores near the beach, frequently commenting about how “delicious” his morning ocean swims were there. In the words of one of his close associates, “John was rollicking good company; quick witted, cultured, broadly read and passionately devoted to his adopted country. He valued being an American because America provided opportunity. He loved California for that reason, plus the freedom to innovate, and the endless opportunities to play.”

Association members said special thanks go to: Pierrette Featherby, who introduced Beth Martinez (John's American Family) to Friends of La Jolla Shores; Catharine Douglass & Lynn Reeves, who spearheaded the project; Don Goertz, AIA, CSI who continues to donate his time and talent; Stephen Flaim, a close friend of John's, CEO of John G. Watson Foundation, and past chairman of Tech Coast Angels; Louis Beacham, Beacham Construction, which is building the project for cost; Pascal Cabeen, project manager of Beacham Construction; Paul Jacob and Dan Daneri from the city Park & Recreation Department; Myra Hermann, senior planner/archeology, environmental analysis section, Development Services Department; Helene Deisher, development project manager, Development Services Department; Patricia Masters and Clint Linton, who donated their time and expertise to complete the Kumeyaay sample test dig; Craig Finch, RCP Block & Brick; and the La Jolla Shores Association